Biography of Tom Casalini

 He is a first generation Hoosier, born and raised in Logansport, Indiana. The youngest of seven children born of Italian parents, he continues to preserve his heritage not merely through his words and images, but with the nurturing of a closely-knit family.

Casalini attended Indiana University and received his degree from the New York Institute of Photography in 1972. After a period of freelance work in Atlanta, Georgia, he returned to his native Indiana as the official state photographer.

In November of 1973, he opened his studio in downtown Zionsville, Indiana, approximately 10 miles north of Indianapolis, in a historic two-story building on Main Street. Here, he continues to focus on portraits for both local and national clientele.

Since the early 1980's Casalini's work has become well known in the commercial advertising field. He has created images for national client such as Chevrolet Cars & Trucks, McDonalds, Timex, Eli Lilly, John Deere, Life Magazine, Fannie Mae Mortgage, Schafffer Pens Worldwide, and many others.

Tom continues to work on a commissioned project for the new Indiana State Museum creating portrait studies of famous Hoosiers. To date, he has captured portraits of Red Skelton, Joyce DeWitt, Florence Henderson, Vice President Dan Quayle, Bill Blass, Coach John Wooden, Fuzzy Zoeller, Jim Davis, John Mellencamp, Sydney Pollack, Jane Pauley, Shelley Long and Kurt Vonnegut.

Now a publisher and author of his first book, ORDINARY HEROES, Casalini tours the nation sharing a dynamic, emotional, unforgettable presentation about the recipients of our nation's highest tribute for valor - the Medal of Honor. The uplifting message of the heroism potential in all of us is an outgrowth of his year long experience in 18 states and 52 cities photographing living Medal of Honor recipients. A museum-quality exhibit of these portraits now tours museums and galleries across the nation. Book signings are available by request.